BEFORE we go into details of our fish and chips from Ozze's Plaice, Newport, we must strike a note of caution.

Unless you are in training for some kind of world record eat-a-thon, you would be best to recruit a friend to share your fish and chip supper. Perhaps two — or possibly even more.

Are the portions really that big?

Isle of Wight County Press:

When we made enquiries at the counter, speculating if maybe a large portion of chips would be appropriate for the pair of us, the server said, after an appraising glance, "Small will be absolutely fine for you two."

We took the recommendation and added one medium cod and one large haddock, plus mushy peas and curry sauce to our order.

Back at home, we unfurled the parcels. Even compared to the size of the large haddock, the small portion of chips was absolutely ginormous.

Isle of Wight County Press:

So much so, with only a fraction of the chips served up, our biggest plates could not contain all
the food.

The fish extended well beyond the crockeries' circumferences, sprawled like a lanky teenager with their legs thrown over the arm of a chair.

For us a soft bronzed chip is where it's at for a classic chippy chip.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Happily, Ozze's were yielding and attractively browned, which also gave them a desirable hint of sweetness.

The texture and quality of their innards was nice and fluffy too; not dry or oily. A proper chip.

The fishes' golden batter was traditional and crispy, with a decent texture and flavour.

Inside the fillets' insulating golden jackets, we discovered a well-cooked, meaty interior of white flesh, which flaked agreeably, imparting succulence with every mouthful.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Alongside the impressive portions, great value for money and deliciousness of the fish suppers, a special commendation must also go to the curry sauce.

Maybe not everyone's preferred chip lubricant — debates about vinegar, ketchup and mayonnaise abound — but for us it was probably the best-tasting chip shop curry sauce we've had.

Maybe it's because it's the season for hunkering down with a hearty and hot fish supper; perhaps it was the really pleasant, helpful and speedy service — especially considering our fish was cooked freshly for us — but we enjoyed the process of buying our fish and chips as well as eating the results.

Delicious and excellent value: Ozze's is the 'plaice' to go!

Isle of Wight County Press:

Isle of Wight County Press: